Ms. Tracy-Ann Hyman a PhD candidate at the Institute for Sustainable Development (ISD) and Ms. Marium Alleyne  a PhD candidate from the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (The UWI) have been named among the Commonwealth Futures Climate 26 Global Rising-star Researchers for 2021.

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) and the British Council have partnered to establish the Commonwealth Futures Climate Research Cohort to support academic researchers. The 26 rising-star researchers, based at 25 ACU member universities from 16 countries, will bring local knowledge to a global stage in the lead-up to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) to take place in November this year.

An announcement from the Association of Commonwealth Universities states that the cohort represents researchers with expertise in a range of disciplines, who have a deep understanding of communities disproportionately impacted by climate change. The announcement further added that the cohort of researchers will (1) attend a series of expert-led workshops and also design and deliver peer-led research-to-action project; (2) be mentored by senior academics and experts in the sector and (3) further their engagement with global climate stakeholders by attending the landmark COP26 conference in Glasgow in November.

The release also pointed to the ACU-British Council partnership which seeks to develop and sustain a more equitable university research landscape which will inspire action and play an essential role in delivering impactful climate solutions across the Commonwealth.

The Institute for Sustainable Development congratulates Tracy-Ann and Marium on this landmark achievement.